Hearty Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Southern kitchens have perfected this hearty chicken & dumplings soup that promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

My grandmother’s treasured recipe whispers stories of warmth and tradition from her small Kentucky farmhouse.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, creamy broth that feels like a welcoming embrace.

Delicate herbs and simple ingredients come together to create something deeply satisfying and nostalgic.

Fragrant steam rising from the pot promises a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Home cooks seeking genuine Southern hospitality will find every spoonful tells a delicious story.

You won’t want to miss this soul-warming recipe that connects generations through its incredible flavor.

Store Chicken Soup for Maximum Freshness

• Store leftover chicken and dumplings soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the soup will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup maintains quality for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dumplings separately as they might become soggy.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dumplings from becoming tough. Heat until the soup reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe bowls. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Sides That Go Great with Dumpling Soup

• Choose a crisp, light-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes to complement the creamy, rich soup without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices alongside the soup to soak up the flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Prepare a light green salad with mixed leafy greens, thinly sliced cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Opt for a cold, light wheat beer or sparkling apple cider to balance the hearty soup's warmth and provide a crisp, refreshing accompaniment.

Flavor Enhancements for This Classic

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free chicken broth. Ensure baking powder is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional dumplings with cauliflower dumplings by using riced cauliflower, almond flour, and eggs. Reduce carrots and use more low-carb vegetables like zucchini.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free butter or olive oil in dumpling mixture. Replace milk with unsweetened plant-based milk alternatives.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra herbs and nutritional yeast for depth of flavor and protein boost.

Best Parts of Chicken & Dumplings Soup

• Create a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal cooking skills, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master with confidence.
• Enjoy this warming soup year-round, adapting it easily by swapping frozen vegetables or adding extra herbs to match your taste preferences and seasonal ingredients.
• Prepare a complete meal in a single pot, combining protein-rich chicken, tender vegetables, and fluffy dumplings that provide a balanced and filling dinner solution for the whole family.

Ingredients for a Cozy Chicken Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a light, savory base for sautéing vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
• Chicken: Adds protein and hearty texture to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base with sweet and earthy flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds depth and sharp, aromatic notes to the soup.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide layers of herbal complexity.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Frozen Peas: Adds sweetness and bright green color to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for creamy richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become tender.
• Milk, Butter: Adds moisture and richness to dumpling dough.
• Dried Parsley: Provides subtle herbal notes to dumplings.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a large pot

Drizzle olive oil

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery

Cook until vegetables soften and become translucent

Add minced garlic and herbs

Stir quickly to release fragrant flavors

Season with black pepper and salt

Let spices dance for one minute

Step 2: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot

Bring liquid to a rolling boil

Gently drop chicken pieces into the bubbling broth

Reduce heat to gentle simmer

Cook chicken until completely white and tender

Stir in frozen peas

Swirl heavy cream for extra richness

Step 3: Mix Dumpling Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Dried parsley

Pour milk

Add melted butter

Blend ingredients until just combined

Expect a thick, slightly lumpy texture

Step 4: Create Fluffy Dumplings

Use spoon to drop dumpling batter onto simmering soup

Space dumplings slightly apart

Cover pot with tight lid

Let dumplings steam for 15 minutes

Do not peek underneath lid

Check doneness with clean toothpick

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Gently stir soup to blend dumplings

Ladle into warm bowls

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top

Serve immediately while piping hot

Tips for Fluffy Dumplings and Tender Chicken

• Perfect Dumpling Placement: Drop dumpling batter gently onto simmering soup surface, leaving small gaps between each one for even cooking and expansion.
• Moisture Magic: Keep pot tightly covered while dumplings cook to trap steam, ensuring fluffy and tender dumpling texture without drying out.
• Cream Control: Add heavy cream near the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain smooth, rich soup consistency.
• Chicken Choice: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick cooking and easy shredding, ensuring tender meat throughout the soup.
• Flavor Boost: Toast dried herbs briefly in the pot before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall soup depth.

Chicken & Dumplings Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken & dumplings soup brings Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with its rich, creamy broth and tender chicken. Homemade dumplings nestle perfectly within this classic dish, promising warm satisfaction that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier soup)

Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Initiate the soup base by sautéing diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Enhance the aromatic profile by introducing minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Allow the herbs and spices to bloom and release their fragrant essence for one minute.
3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, bringing the liquid to a robust boil, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
4. Gently nestle chicken pieces into the simmering broth, reducing heat to allow thorough and gentle cooking until the meat is completely tender and cooked through, roughly 15 minutes.
5. Incorporate frozen peas and optional heavy cream, returning the soup to a delicate simmer, which will add subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
6. Prepare dumpling batter by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and dried parsley in a mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient base.
7. Introduce milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined, creating a thick, slightly sticky dough with minimal mixing.
8. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop dumpling batter onto the soup’s surface, ensuring adequate spacing to allow for expansion during cooking.
9. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, allowing dumplings to steam and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, maintaining consistent heat and moisture.
10. Verify dumpling doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean and without raw batter.
11. Delicately fold the dumplings into the soup, ensuring even distribution and integration of flavors.
12. Serve the soup in individual bowls, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mixture of broth, vegetables, chicken, and dumplings.
13. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and satisfying.
• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumplings to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like sage when sautéing vegetables for deeper taste dimensions.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg